Construction and renovation projects, whether small-scale updates or large-scale developments, often involve complex timelines and multiple stakeholders. Staying on schedule is critical to avoid increased costs, logistical issues, and dissatisfied stakeholders. However, one factor that can wreak havoc on project timelines is the discovery of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) onsite.
Without an accurate asbestos survey completed ahead of time, a project can face significant delays, safety concerns, and legal issues. If you’re undertaking construction or renovation work, ensuring an asbestos survey is carried out correctly and at the right time is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a vital step toward avoiding unnecessary disruption.
This article highlights how an accurate asbestos survey can help you avoid project delays while maintaining safety and compliance.
Understanding the Role of an Asbestos Survey
Before jumping into how an asbestos survey prevents delays, it’s essential to understand its role. An asbestos survey involves inspecting a property to identify any asbestos-containing materials and assessing their condition. The purpose is to manage the risks associated with asbestos exposure, which is a serious health hazard.
An asbestos survey is often legally mandated before starting projects in older buildings, as asbestos was widely used in construction materials up until the late 20th century. Any oversight in identifying or managing asbestos can lead to serious consequences, including project shutdowns, costly remediation, or health hazards for workers.
With a thorough, precise survey, all stakeholders can make informed decisions and plan accordingly to minimize risks and interruptions.
Benefits of an Accurate Asbestos Survey
A properly conducted asbestos survey offers several advantages for construction and renovation projects. These benefits go beyond compliance, directly impacting timelines, budgets, and safety.
- Prevents Costly Project Delays
One of the primary benefits of an accurate asbestos survey is its ability to prevent unexpected delays. Imagine starting a renovation only to uncover asbestos mid-project. Work grinds to a halt, contractors leave the site, and remediation specialists have to be called in. This process can take weeks to resolve, wasting valuable time and resources.
Conducting an asbestos survey in the planning stages ensures that all asbestos-containing materials are identified before work begins. This proactive approach means mitigation can be scheduled into the timeline, avoiding surprises that derail progress.
- Ensures Worker Safety
The safety of workers on-site should always be a top priority. Left unmanaged, asbestos fibers can pose serious health risks when disturbed. Prolonged exposure can lead to diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
An accurate asbestos survey equips project managers and teams with crucial information to manage the material properly. It ensures that precautions are in place, such as containment measures or specialized protective equipment, so workers can safely carry out their tasks. This not only prevents health risks but also helps you maintain a safe and efficient work environment.
- Reduces Unexpected Costs
Unforeseen asbestos removal can drain budgets quickly. Emergency mitigation often involves hiring specialized contractors on short notice, sometimes at premium rates. The cost of stopping work, disposing of contaminated materials, and ensuring compliance can add up to thousands of dollars.
By investing in a survey, these costs can often be avoided. With clear information about the presence and condition of asbestos, you can include any removal or containment work in your budget from the outset. Accurate cost forecasting protects your project from overspending and ensures financial predictability.
